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Toulouse, known as the 'Pink City' for its distinctive terracotta brick architecture, occupies a strategic position in southwestern France's Occitanie region, though historically associated with Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in cultural and administrative contexts. Situated on the banks of the Garonne River at an elevation of approximately 115-263 meters above sea level, the city lies within the broad Garonne Valley, flanked by the Pyrenees mountains to the south and the Massif Central to the northeast. This topographic setting creates a natural basin that significantly influences air quality by trapping pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions, particularly during winter months. Toulouse serves as the heart of France's aerospace industry, with the massive Airbus manufacturing complex located at its northwestern edge, contributing industrial emissions alongside urban vehicle exhaust from its dense metropolitan area of over 1.5 million inhabitants. The city's urban-rural gradient transitions rapidly from dense urban cores to surrounding agricultural plains, where cereal cultivation and occasional agricultural burning occur, while the Canal du Midi and Garonne River provide limited ventilation corridors. Proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (approximately 150 km southeast) brings occasional maritime influences, but the city's inland position and valley location dominate its microclimate, making it susceptible to pollution accumulation when regional winds are weak.

Toulouse experiences distinct seasonal air quality patterns shaped by its marine west coast climate and topographic basin. Winter months (December-February) represent the peak pollution period, when frequent temperature inversions trap vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions from the Airbus facilities, and domestic heating pollutants in the Garonne Valley, compounded by low wind speeds and persistent fog that limit atmospheric dispersion. Sensitive groups should minimize outdoor exertion during these months, particularly on calm, cold mornings. Spring (March-May) brings gradual improvement as increasing solar radiation breaks up inversions and more frequent Atlantic winds ventilate the valley, though construction dust and occasional agricultural burning can cause temporary spikes. Summer (June-August) sees generally better dispersion with prevailing westerly winds, but heatwaves can trigger ozone formation from vehicle emissions, while wildfires in surrounding regions may bring particulate matter plumes—outdoor activities are best scheduled for mornings before ozone peaks. Autumn (September-November) features transitional conditions with returning temperature inversions and reduced wind, making late autumn particularly problematic for pollution accumulation; however, rainfall from Atlantic storms provides natural cleansing. Year-round, road dust from the city's extensive road network remains a persistent concern, exacerbated by dry periods.